Considering daytrip to St. Paul using public transportation -- need advice! (Ramsey: house, transfer to) - Minneapolis - St. Paul - Minnesota (MN) -Twin Cities - City-Data Forum

Isabel_009 · 09-26-2009, 05:33 PM

I was considering visiting St. Paul next week with my partner, who will be visiting. What is the easiest/safest way to get to St. Paul using public transit? I don't mind taking a slightly longer route if it's more scenic or safer. Also, we were planning to go to Boca Chica to eat, which is across the Wabasha street bridge. This may sound like a silly question, but do people usually cross this bridge on foot? Is the neighbourhood I would be walking through to get to the restaurant safe? I want to avoid inadvertently planning anything that will leave us in a vulnerable position, especially since we'll be on foot and using public transit. Any advice you can offer will be greatly appreciated!

Oh, and any suggestions about things to see in St. Paul are also welcome! We won't have too much time so we'd like to just do the straight spots. I know about the cathedral. What else is "must see"?

uptown_urbanist · 09-26-2009, 07:18 PM

Visit the Alexander Ramsey House if you have time; if you don't have time this trip, add it to the list for some other time. It's operated by the Minnesota Historical Society (their museum is in St. Paul, too, and is another option to visit; it's one of, if not the, biggest in the country, and has a wonderful reputation).

Isabel_009 · 09-26-2009, 07:50 PM

Hmmm, if they are within walking distance of the downtown area then I will definitely consider it. I'm going to check out the MHS website now. If you were to go to St. Paul by transit, what route would you take? The MT route planner tells me to take either the 21 or the 6 and then transfer to the 94.

Quote:

Originally Posted by uptown_urbanist

Visit the Alexander Ramsey House if you have time; if you don't have time this trip, add it to the list for some other time. It's operated by the Minnesota Historical Society (their museum is in St. Paul, too, and is another option to visit; it's one of, if not the, biggest in the country, and has a wonderful reputation).

Ben Around · 09-26-2009, 08:37 PM

Definitely take the 94 bus. It's the fastest way to St Paul. Yes, you can walk across the Wabasha St bridge. It's a great view of downtown and the Mississippi from there. Then it's a 10 minute walk to Boca Chica. It's a safe neighborhood. You could also transfer to one of the buses that cross the river. I don't know the route #s--look at the system map at their web site.

When you are downtown, check out the Landmark Center. Usually free exhibits of some sort there. Check their website to see if anything of interest. Also, consider the James J Hill House (kitty corner from the Cathedral), the Science Museum and the History Center.

silverjet · 09-27-2009, 06:56 AM

The 94 is definitely the fastest way to get over to St Paul. You can also take the 21, which will allow you to see a lot more on your way downtown, but it takes quite a while from Uptown (nearly an hour).

Isabel_009 · 09-27-2009, 12:14 PM

The 21 might be the way to go then because I like the idea of seeing more on the way there, rather than zipping across on a highway and having no orientation. We won't be in much of a hurry. We might opt to take the 21 there and the 94 back.

I like taking the 21 east because it goes through different neighbourhoods. Lots to look at. I've only ever been as far as midtown station though. Is there a lot to see beyond that stop?

Quote:

Originally Posted by silverjet

The 94 is definitely the fastest way to get over to St Paul. You can also take the 21, which will allow you to see a lot more on your way downtown, but it takes quite a while from Uptown (nearly an hour).

Ben Around · 09-28-2009, 11:06 AM

If you take the 21, you could get off right in front of the Cathedral, if you are interested in that. You will be steps away from the James J Hill House, which gives tours. If you got off at Western (about 2 blocks before the Cathedral), there's a nice little coffee shop in the beautiful historic building on the corner. In the same building is Garrison Keillor's book store, which has a great selection. From the Cathedral, you could either walk down the hill to downtown, or hop back on the bus and use a transfer. If you go on Thursday, there is a farmer's market on 7th Place.. Have fun!

Isabel_009 · 09-28-2009, 05:58 PM

Thanks for the great ideas!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ben Around

If you take the 21, you could get off right in front of the Cathedral, if you are interested in that. You will be steps away from the James J Hill House, which gives tours. If you got off at Western (about 2 blocks before the Cathedral), there's a nice little coffee shop in the beautiful historic building on the corner. In the same building is Garrison Keillor's book store, which has a great selection. From the Cathedral, you could either walk down the hill to downtown, or hop back on the bus and use a transfer. If you go on Thursday, there is a farmer's market on 7th Place.. Have fun!